First Minister Carwyn Jones has officially opened a new £8 million “super school” in Rhymney.
Idris Davies School, which educates pupils between the ages of three and 18, is named after the Welsh poet who was born in Rhymney in 1905.
Jointly funded by the Welsh Government as part of its 21st Century Schools programme, the school was designed in-house by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Property Services department and has replaced Rhymney Comprehensive School, Abertysswg and Pontlottyn primary schools.
Headteacher Richard Owen said it had been a “unique transition period” combining three schools and incorporating a Flying Start family support centre.
He said: “Our new through school will be at the forefront of education and will allow us to fully embrace the curriculum changes that are taking place in Wales across the next few years. We will continue to build a school that caters for all of the needs of all of our pupils in our community.”
During the opening, held on Thursday, April 19, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “It’s a pleasure to officially open the new Idris Davies School, supported with £4 million of Welsh Government funding. Named after the renowned Welsh poet, the school is steeped in history – but, today, we bring the school fully into the 21st Century.”
Cllr Philippa Marsden, the council’s cabinet member for education said: “Education is a key priority for Caerphilly Council and improving attainment is one of our main goals.”
I’m still not completely sold on these super schools, they maybe great for cutting costs but will they be great for a child education? Only time will tell and will we see a return to smaller type schools.